Mass. Lawmakers Unanimously Approve Pay Equity Bill

BOSTON (AP) — Men and women would move closer to equal pay in the workplace under a bill that has landed on Republican Gov. Charlie Baker's desk.

The Massachusetts House and Senate unanimously approved the legislation during a rare Saturday session sandwiched between the Republican and Democratic national conventions.

Supporters say women are currently paid on average about 82 percent of what their male counterparts make for comparable work in Massachusetts. The bill attempts to define what constitutes comparable work.

The bill also bars employers from asking prospective workers to provide a salary history, though salary information could be offered voluntarily.

The bill's supporters say Massachusetts would be the first state to adopt that provision.

The legislation is among a half-dozen major bills Baker and Democratic legislative leaders want to finish this session.